they surged nearly 16% on expectations founder richard schultz would make a formal offer for the company. >>> and on the economic front, jobless claims fell by 29,000 last week to 343,000, the lowest level in two months. that's it from cnbc, first in business worldwide. now back to "hardball." ♪ >>> welcome back to "hardball." with a gritty state of new jersey's home to the boss, bruce springsteen and theward walk of the empire fame, it's also the home of an increasingly popular brass politician by the name of chris christie. he may have sat out the presidential race in 2012 but he later earned high marks for his handling of hurricane sandy. how he's leaving the door very open for a bid for president in 2016. here he was on abc with barbara walters just last night. >> when you were pressed to run for president this time, you said you didn't think you were ready. what did you mean by that? >> i wasn't ready to undertake a campaign. that's an enormous decision to make for yourselves around your family and i didn't feel ready. >> how do you think you're going to feel in 2016? >> well, you